Don’t let clubs disappear: Social outlet must live on
39
seniors
A survey has found retirement village residents are Australia’s happiest seniors.
Happy seniors: Older residents love life at retirement villages
R
KATHERINE TWEED
etirement village residents are Australia’s happiest seniors, according to a recent survey. The Villages Census Report 2013, produced by McCrindle Research, found that of all retirement village residents, an overwhelming majority are satisfied with their life, with 94 per cent believing their happiness has increased or stayed the same since moving in. In addition to their overall happiness, 90 per cent believe the decision was fi nancially beneficial, and 91 per cent
reported an improved or consistent social life. “As we age our housing requirements change: grab rails, no steps and removing trip hazards in showers extend people’s independence and gives them dignity,” said Mary Wood of the Retirement Living Council. “Importantly, the report fi nds that retirement villages are affordable and accessible for all. 78 per cent of village residents are age pensioners, and 70 per cent report that the cost of living in a village is the same or less than their living costs in their former family home,” Ms Wood said.
Melek Parmenter wants social clubs to stay alive through youth membership.
4
KATHERINE TWEED
6-year-old Melek Parmenter is a strong believer in using her voice to speak out to benefit the local community and this year is advocating for a change in attitude among our younger generations. The Penrith resident has lived in the area for three years and is a member of a number of social and charity clubs, but, after joining Penrith Lions Club and Nepean View Club a year ago, believes that dwindling member numbers may see an end to valuable clubs in the area.
“I have realised during the year that no-one shows much attention to these clubs. They are losing members and will disappear in time,” she said. The clubs both regularly donate to charities supporting families and children. “All of us earn money but sometimes we are deaf and blind to other people’s fi nancial and emotional needs,” she said. “To live in a healthy society, we have to learn to support each other.” Having worked as a teacher for many years, Ms Parmenter suggests that the key to preserving the local groups is by educating younger generations of the clubs’ social value.
HELP US, WE NEED A HOME
PCC 41 & 42
HCC 51
PCC 45
2 X MALE DMH BLACK AND WHITE
BORDER COLLIE MALE 5 YEARS OLD $334.00
KELPIE X FEMALE 3 YEARS OLD $334.00
These boys are brothers and came into the pound together with the rest of their litter from the Penrith Area. They are 5 months old and are looking to find a loving Forever Home wether that be together or seperate. If you would like to meet these boys please come into the shelter or call 4560 4644 and quote their impound numbers. Their Adoption Fee is $239 each and that includes Desexing, Vaccination, Microchipping and Lifetime Rego.
facebook.com/FriendsHCAS twitter.com/HawkesburyPdVol fohcas.com
Sweet girl, lovely coloured coat. Well behaved, sits nicely for her treats.
Shelters contact details are:
Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave NSW 2756 02 4560 4644 companionanimal@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au WW6846
Friday 31 January 2014 the western weekender
Our contact details are:
Handsome man, tip toes around on his feet like he wants to get busy! Very gentle nature.